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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
[Treatment of insomnia, with what to start ?]
Carole Grandjean1, Séverine Crettol Wavre1, Nicolas Ansermot1
1Pharmacien·ne·s et pharmacologues cliniques, Unité de pharmacogénétique et de psychopharmacologie clinique, Centre de neurosciences psychiatriques, Département de psychiatrie, CHUV et Université de Lausanne, Site de Céry, 1008 Prilly.
Abstract:
Confronted with a complaint of insomnia, several points must be considered before prescribing a specific treatment. In particular, it is necessary to optimize the management of somatic and psychiatric comorbidities that can affect sleep and to review the intake of sleep-disrupting substances and drugs. The current guidelines for insomnia rank treatment options based on the quality of the evidence. They all agree to recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia as first-line treatment. Pharmacological treatment should only be considered if this therapy fails. We then propose to start with the drugs presenting the best safety profile before prescribing, if necessary, those having better effectiveness evidence but carrying a greater risk of side effects.
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